UK's operator EE has showcased 2.8Gbps download speeds across an end-to-end 5G test network in its UK mobile lab. The test was carried out in partnership with Huawei and linked the fully virtualized 5G core to the 64x64 Massive MIMO active antenna unit broadcasting 5G New Radio.

In order to deliver the consistent 2.8Gbps downlink throughput across the end-to-end 5G architecture, EE linked its fully virtualized 5G core network to 100MHz of 3.5GHz test spectrum via the proof-of-concept Huawei 5G baseband unit. The consistent 2.8Gbps speeds and sub 5ms latency were delivered end-to-end, rather than just across the air interface.

EE’s 5G architecture is aligned to Option 3 of 3GPP Release 15, due to be finalized next month and formally ratified in April 2018.